Influenza

On March 30, 2017, at the SHEA Spring 2017 Conference, Matt Linam, MD, MS, discussed strategies to prevent healthcare workers from spreading healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Researchers suggest that patients with eczema should request that their flu shots be administered intramuscularly and not intradermally.

Although cases of influenza A are on the decline, a late season surge in influenza B cases are helping to extend flu season across parts of the United States.

In case you missed them, our top 5 articles for the week of March 19, 2017 are highlighted here.

The results of a new study have revealed that older women and African Americans are less likely to get vaccinated against influenza.

Flu activity continues to drop across the country, but new outbreaks continue as health officials predict a flu season that could last until May in some areas.

The United States has likely seen its flu season peak, although health officials around the country are issuing reminders that new illnesses and flu-related deaths may continue for several weeks.

A high-dose flu vaccine may offer more protection to older adults during flu seasons in which Influenza A(N2N3) is circulating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported six new flu-related pediatric deaths, including one confirmed by health officials in Milwaukee.

Did you read this week’s top infectious disease news coverage from Contagion®?

Pharmacists can play an important role in managing the use of these medications in patients, particularly those with high blood pressure.

A decrease in flu activity in the United States brings some relief to a flu season marked by severe illness, but health officials say that the season may last for several more weeks.

Catch up on last month's top infectious disease news coverage from Contagion®.

The results of a new study suggest a 3-7% increase in the likelihood of having a heart attack in some patients with acute respiratory infections also takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) details just how effective the flu shot has been so far this season.

Purdue researchers use ANSYS simulation technology to map how the flu spreads on airplanes and use this information to make recommendations to the FAA on how to create a safer experience for airline passengers.

As the flu continues to spread across the country, resulting in additional hospitalizations and deaths, a new study reveals why receiving an annual flu shot might actually lead to lower vaccine effectiveness.

Researchers from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine are channeling their efforts into developing a flu vaccine that will last multiple years and protect against a number of viral subtypes.

A new app developed by MIT Connection Science and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline uses crowdsourced data to track the flu in real time.

Here are the changes that have been made to the 2017 immunization schedules, as reported in the CDC’s most recent MMWR.

High flu activity and new pediatric flu-related deaths around the country lead some area schools to announce temporary closures in hopes of preventing further spread of the virus.

Although President Donald Trump’s previous skepticism on the flu vaccine was certainly not helpful in terms of encouraging individuals to be vaccinated, research indicates that celebrity commentary on a topic makes it more likely that the audience will recall the message and be motivated to react to it.

Researchers find that having a local team in the Super Bowl sets a city up for a substantial increase in flu-related illness and deaths during influenza season.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials are reporting epidemic flu levels across the United States, along with three new pediatric deaths from the virus.

Since avian influenza is continuing to spread in birds across Europe, WHO calls for stronger surveillance efforts in order to better prevent potential infection in humans.

With flu season underway, a pair of recent studies highlight the impact of winter weather on influenza activity and raise questions about the right time to receive a flu shot.

An additional nine states are reporting widespread influenza activity, in what is already a busy flu season that has been marked by severe illness caused by the influenza A (H3N2) strain.

University of Alberta researchers have designed a new surgical mask that uses a sodium chloride salt coating to trap and kill pathogen droplets, which could help prevent the spread of viruses.

The 2016-2017 influenza season continues to see a growing number of severe flu cases due to the increased prevalence of influenza A (H3N2) virus.

Researchers at Southern Research Institute are focusing their efforts on finding a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that will be effective against a number of influenza strains.